Campsite holidays: rentals to suit every taste throughout France

© Camping Borpoteau - 83 Cavalaire sur Mer

Why go to France for your camping holiday?

France offers many advantages for outdoor enthusiasts and travellers, as well as a vast choice of destinations. Camping in France, whether for a weekend or a longer stay, is an authentic and affordable way to discover the country's natural, cultural and gastronomic diversity, while enjoying the freedom and conviviality that this form of travel offers.

Looking for a place to rent for your camping holiday? Here are the different types of accommodation on offer.

Campsites offer a variety of accommodation options to meet the needs and preferences of campers. These types of accommodation can vary in size, comfort and amenities depending on the campsite and its classification. Campers can choose the option that best suits their needs, budget and preference for an enjoyable and comfortable camping experience. Here are some of the most common types of accommodation available at campsites:

Tent pitches: Tent pitches are delimited areas where campers can pitch their tents. They may be equipped with water, electricity and nearby sanitary facilities, depending on the campsite's level of comfort.

Caravan pitches: These bare pitches are designed to accommodate caravans and motorhomes. They often have electricity, water and sanitary facilities nearby, and sometimes waste water disposal areas.

Mobile homes: Mobile homes are prefabricated, permanent dwellings, often with bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and living room. They offer a higher level of comfort than tents and caravans, sometimes with outdoor terraces.

Canvas bungalows : Canvas bungalows are tents pre-assembled on a wooden platform, offering more comfortable accommodation than traditional tents. They are often equipped with beds, storage furniture and cooking facilities.

Unusual: Unusual accommodation has become increasingly popular at campsites, offering campers a unique and memorable experience (yurts, tree houses, teepees, caravans, coco-sweet...).

© Camping Club Farret - 34 Vias

Campsites offering luxury accommodation

Campsites offering luxury accommodation offer a superior experience, combining comfort, service and top-of-the-range amenities, just like hotels. These are known as open-air hotels rather than campsites.

Here are some examples of the top-of-the-range accommodation available at these campsites:

Luxury mobile homes: These mobile homes often have spacious bedrooms, modern bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, landscaped terraces and sometimes even private hot tubs. They offer a high level of comfort and convenience for a luxurious outdoor holiday.

© Camping Le Pin Parasol - 85 La Chapelle-Hermier

Luxury chalets or villas: Some campsites offer luxury chalets or villas, providing self-catering accommodation with top-of-the-range facilities, spacious living areas, elegantly decorated bedrooms and sometimes even private swimming pools and landscaped gardens.

Luxury safari tents: Luxury safari tents offer an elegant and refined camping experience. They are often equipped with comfortable beds, wooden furniture, private bathrooms with hot showers, and sometimes even private terraces with panoramic views of the surrounding nature.

Eco-friendly ecolodges: Some upmarket establishments focus on sustainable development by offering eco-friendly accommodation, such as ecolodges built from natural materials and equipped with energy-efficient systems. They offer environmentally-friendly accommodation without compromising on comfort and luxury.

How can I find a cheap campsite?

Finding an affordable campsite can be a great option for budget-conscious travellers. Here are some tips for finding a cheap campsite

Plan ahead: Book your camping pitch or accommodation as early as possible. Many campsites offer reduced rates for early bookings. As soon as you know your departure date, don't hesitate to contact the campsites to check availability.

Choose an off-season period: Avoid peak full stops such as school holidays and bank holiday weekends. Rates are often lower outside the peak tourist season.

Compare prices: Use price comparison websites or apps to find the best deals. Compare the prices of the different campsites in the region where you want to stay.

Opt for basic pitches: If you're camping with a tent, choose a basic pitch with no electricity connections or other extra amenities. This can be cheaper than a serviced pitch.

© Camping Domaine du Surgié - 46 Figeac

Look out for special offers and promotions: Some campsites offer special deals, last-minute discounts or all-inclusive packages at reduced rates.

Avoid extras: Limit extra costs by avoiding services and facilities you don't really need, such as chargeable leisure facilities or rental equipment.

The advantages of low-season camping holidays

Camping holidays in the low season offer many advantages, including :

Reduced rates: Campsites often offer lower rates in the low season, allowing campers to make significant savings on their accommodation.

Less crowds: In the low season, campsites are generally less busy, which means fewer people and a more peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.

Increased availability: It is often easier to find available campsites in the low season, as there is less competition for bookings.

Better selection of accommodation: With less demand, campers generally have access to a wider selection of available accommodation, including prime pitches and specific accommodation types.

More pleasant weather: Depending on the destination, the low season can offer more pleasant weather conditions for camping, with milder temperatures and less risk of overcrowding.

© SANGUINET PLAGE (Sanguinet - 40)

Quieter exploration: In the low season, tourist attractions and natural sites are often less crowded, allowing campers to explore them more leisurely and enjoy their stay more.

Greater flexibility: In low season, campers often have more flexibility to extend their stay or make last-minute changes, as there are fewer constraints linked to availability.

Your camping holidays in France

Camping by the sea

Camping by the sea in France offers the perfect combination of relaxation, water activities, gastronomy and nature, making it a very attractive holiday option for many reasons:

Direct access to the beach: You can enjoy direct access to the beach from your pitch or campsite rental, allowing you to swim, relax on the sand or take part in various water sports without having to travel long distances.

Panoramic view of the ocean or sea: You can pitch your tent, caravan or rent a mobile home with an uninterrupted view of the ocean or sea, offering magnificent and soothing scenery, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

© Camping Camp du Domaine - 83 Bormes-les-Mimosas

Water-based activities: Seaside campsites generally offer a wide range of water-based activities such as swimming, windsurfing, surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, etc. You can also hire equipment on site at many campsites.

Pleasant climate: France's coastal regions often enjoy a pleasant climate, with moderate temperatures, making camping by the sea comfortable even during the summer months.

Relaxed atmosphere: The atmosphere by the sea is often relaxing and conducive to unwinding. You can fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up to a refreshing sea breeze

© SOULAC PLAGE (Soulac-sur-Mer - 33)

Discover the local cuisine: France's coastal regions are often renowned for their cuisine based on fresh seafood. You can sample local specialities at the campsite or in nearby restaurants.

Camping in the countryside, around lakes and rivers

Camping in the countryside, around lakes and rivers, offers an immersive experience of nature and a chance to recharge your batteries away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here are just a few reasons why this form of camping can be particularly attractive:

© Camping le Peyrelade - 2 Rivière-sur-Tarn

Peace and quiet: When you choose a campsite pitch or rental around lakes and rivers, you're usually surrounded by peaceful countryside, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. What better way to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

Direct contact with nature: whether you're observing the local flora and fauna, hiking in the forest or swimming in the river, you'll be immersed in a rich, unspoilt natural environment.

A variety of outdoor activities: A host of outdoor activities are on offer, including hiking, cycling, angling, kayaking or canoeing on the river, and birdwatching. There's something for every taste and level of activity.

© Camping Nouvelle Flordie - 34 Marseillan

Outdoor picnics and barbecues: You can organise meals in the open air, whether it's a picnic by the river or a barbecue under the trees in the forest. It's a great way to enjoy nature while savouring a meal with family and friends.

Starry nights: Away from the city lights, you often have the chance to admire a breathtaking starry sky at night, adding a magical touch to your camping experience.

Camping in the mountains, gain altitude

Camping in the mountains offers a unique and refreshing experience for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Here are just a few reasons why this form of camping can be particularly appealing:

Breathtaking scenery: Mountain camping offers spectacular panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, crystal-clear lakes and dense forests. These magnificent landscapes are a feast for the eyes and offer superb photographic opportunities.

Campsite Les Lanchettes - 73 Peisey-Nancroix

A variety of outdoor activities: Mountain camping offers a multitude of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding, white-water rafting, wildlife watching and more. There's something for every level of ability and adventure.

Escape and disconnect: Often far from urban areas, camping in the mountains lets you disconnect from everyday stress and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature. It's a great opportunity to take a break and recharge your batteries.

Challenges and thrills: Camping in the mountains can also be a challenging adventure, with steep hiking trails, technical mountain biking, or abseiling down deep gorges. For thrill-seekers, the mountains offer plenty of adrenaline-pumping opportunities.

Where to go camping in France?

France offers a vast choice of fantastic destinations for an unforgettable holiday. Here are just a few of the most popular destinations:

The Alps : The French Alps offer a wealth of campsites nestled in spectacular mountain scenery. Whether you're looking for a summer holiday with mountain walks and outdoor activities, or an off-season holiday with skiing and snow sports, the Alps have a lot to offer.

The Côte d'Azur: For waterfront holidays, the Côte d'Azur, with its golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and sunny climate, is a popular destination for camping. Towns like Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez offer a variety of campsites along the coast, allowing campers to enjoy the sun and the Mediterranean Sea.

Brittany: Brittany is renowned for its wild landscapes, rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and picturesque villages. Campers can explore the Breton coastline, discover fascinating historical sites and sample delicious regional cuisine.

© Camping Le Ranolien - 22 Perros-Guirec

Provence: Provence is a land of lavender fields, hilltop villages, colourful markets and a rich cultural heritage. Campsites in Provence offer the ideal setting to discover this sunny region, whether you want to explore the vineyards, visit historic sites or simply relax in picturesque surroundings.

The Dordogne: The Dordogne is renowned for its lush green landscapes, medieval castles, charming villages and winding rivers. Campers can enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside, canoe on the Dordogne, visit prehistoric caves and sample delicious cuisine.

The Pyrenees : The Pyrenees offer a stunning natural setting for camping, with snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys and mountain lakes. Campers can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, climbing and skiing, depending on the season.

The Camargue: The Camargue, with its salt marshes, ponds, wildlife and vast beaches, is a unique camping destination in France. Campers can spot pink flamingos, wild horses and bulls as they explore this unspoilt natural landscape.

 

The little extras at the campsites :

The little extras on offer at campsites can vary from one establishment to another, but here are a few common examples:

Activities and entertainment: Some campsites offer activities and entertainment to keep campers entertained, such as themed evenings, yoga classes, children's clubs, etc.

Catering services: Some campsites offer catering services such as restaurants, snack bars, food outlets and breakfasts.

Leisure facilities: Swimming pools or water park, steam room, sauna, sports fields (football, volleyball, tennis, etc.), children's play areas, bike, canoe or kayak hire, games room, etc.

© Camping Les Brunelles - 85 Longeville-sur-Mer

Sanitary facilities: Modern, well-maintained sanitary facilities with hot showers, clean toilets, washbasins, laundry facilities, etc.

Supermarket or grocery shop: Some campsites have a supermarket or grocery shop on site so that campers can buy essentials.

Wi-Fi connection: Most campsites now offer a free or paid Wi-Fi connection to keep campers connected.

Pets: Some campsites are pet-friendly and offer special services such as dog-walking areas, pet water fountains, etc.

Personalised welcome and services: friendly staff on hand to meet campers' needs and offer advice on local activities, excursions, etc.

Respect for the environment: Many campsites promote ecological initiatives such as selective sorting of waste, use of renewable energy, preservation of the surrounding nature, etc.

Well-maintained pitches: Spacious, well-maintained pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, sometimes with additional comfort options such as electric hook-ups.

© Camping Le Vieux Port - 40 Messanges

These little extras help to make the camping experience more pleasant and comfortable for campers. Visit the "our themes" tab on our site.